Menopause and Breast Cancer:

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and is diagnosed after 12 months without a period. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries gradually stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Common Symptoms of Menopause:

1. Hot flashes and night sweats
2. Mood swings or irritability
3. Vaginal dryness
4. Trouble sleeping
5. Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
6. Thinning hair or dry skin

While menopause itself isn’t a disease, the hormonal changes it brings can influence your overall health—including your risk for breast cancer.

One of the most well-established risk factors for breast cancer is age. As a woman gets older, her chances of developing breast cancer increase. According to global statistics, most breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50.

1. Hormonal Influence:

   Estrogen plays a significant role in the development of certain types of breast cancer, particularly estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancers. After menopause, your estrogen levels drop, but some estrogen is still produced by fat tissue. Women who are overweight or obese after menopause may have higher estrogen levels, which could increase their breast cancer risk.

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

   Many women take hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms. While HRT can be effective in managing hot flashes and mood swings, certain types of HRT—especially those that combine estrogen and progesterone—have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer if taken for more than five years. “Women considering HRT should always consult a specialist,” advises Dr. Deepak Jha, breast cancer doctor and breast cancer specialist in Gurugram. “There are safer options available today, and a personalized approach is key.”

3. Delayed Menopause:

   Women who experience menopause after the age of 55 have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer because of their longer lifetime exposure to estrogen.

4. Family History and Genetics:

   If you have a mother, sister, or daughter who had breast cancer, your own risk is higher. This is especially significant if they were diagnosed before menopause. Genetic testing (like BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations) is recommended for some women.

1. A new lump or mass in the breast
2. Swelling or thickening in part of the breast
3. Changes in breast size or shape
4. Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
5. Pain in breast or nipple
6. Skin dimpling or redness on the breast

If you notice any of these symptoms, see our doctor right away.

Screening is crucial for women over 50. Mammograms—an X-ray of the breast—are the most effective tool for early detection.

1. Women aged 50 to 74: A mammogram every 1–2 years is generally recommended.
2. Women with higher risk factors: May need earlier and more frequent screenings, including breast MRI or ultrasound.

“Early detection is the most powerful tool we have,” says Dr. Deepak Jha, recognized as the best breast cancer doctor in Delhi. “Many breast cancers caught early can be treated successfully with less invasive procedures.”

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight after menopause increases estrogen levels in the body. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps lower estrogen and insulin levels, both of which are linked to breast cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (such as brisk walking or swimming).
3. Limit Alcohol: Studies have shown that drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Limit your intake to no more than one drink per day.
4. Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked to many cancers, including breast cancer, and affects overall health. Quitting smoking can drastically reduce your cancer risk.
5. Be Cautious with Hormone Therapy: If you're considering HRT, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Low-dose or short- term HRT might be safer options depending on your health and symptoms.

1. A family history of breast cancer
2. Genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2
3. Unexplained breast changes
4. Persistent breast pain or nipple discharge